Timing Belt Tension Adjustment (1993-98)

1. Lift tensioner pulley upward to apply tension on timing belt. The 2 pin holes in the center of the tensioner must face down. See Figure. Screw the Set Screw (MD998738) into engine support bracket until it makes contact with tensioner arm. At that point, screw the set screw in a few more threads and remove the set pin from the auto tensioner. Remove the set screw. Tighten timing belt tensioner pulley center bolt to 35 ft. lbs. (48 N.m).
2. Remove screwdriver from side of engine block and install plug. To tension timing belt, rotate crankshaft about 1/4 turn counterclockwise, then 1/4 turn clockwise until all timing marks align.
3. Loosen tensioner pulley center bolt. Install Adapter (MD998767) or equivalent to tensioner eccentric. Install torque wrench on adapter. See Fig 1. Starting with eccentric pin holes still facing down, apply 31 INCH lbs. (3.5 N.m) of torque counterclockwise on tensioner pulley.
4. Hold tensioner pulley at specified torque, and tighten tensioner center bolt to specification. Do not let tensioner pulley turn with bolt. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .
5. Rotate crankshaft 2 full revolutions clockwise so that timing marks are aligned. Allow engine to stand for 15 minutes without turning crankshaft. Distance between top of auto tensioner housing and tensioner arm should be .15-.18" (3.8-4.5 mm). See Figure, Dimension "A". If distance is incorrect, repeat tensioning procedure until distance is correct. Once distance is correct, go to FINAL ASSEMBLY .

Fig 1: Adjusting Timing Belt Tension (1993-98)

Courtesy of CHRYSLER CORP.